Signature | Spectacular South Tour

Kia Ora!

Welcome to Wellington – New Zealand’s windy capital! Wellington is known for its world-class dining, great coffee and eccentric shops. 

After checking into your hotel and reading your welcome letter from your Tour Director, head out and explore all that Wellington has to offer.  This is the perfect opportunity to get cultured at Te Papa Museum or grab a drink at one of the many quirky bars on Cuba Street. You may even fancy a ride on the cable car!

After an exciting day on the town, your tour will officially begin as you join your fellow travellers and Tour Director at this evening’s welcome dinner.

Accommodation

4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (1 Night)

Meals Included

Dinner

Activities 

Welcome Dinner

Adventure to the South - Haere ra to Te Ika a Maui

This morning you will say poroporoaki ki te motu raki (good-bye to the North Island) as you sail to the South Island, crossing the Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry. As the shores of the North Island slowly disappear, settle down in the comfy seats in the Premium Lounge. Treat yourself to a mimosa and enjoy a hearty seafaring breakfast, but save some room for morning tea!

On your journey across Cook Strait you may spot pods of dolphins playing in the wake or, if you are very lucky, a whale. Don’t spend all your time inside – as you enter the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound, enjoy the views as you cruise past the remnants of whaling stations, remote working sheep farms, pristine native bush and mussel farms. Admire the beauty of this coastal paradise as you arrive into the gateway of the South Island, Picton. Step off the Interislander Ferry and join your next world-class experience aboard a Marlborough Wine Tour.

Accommodation

4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Activities 

• Interislander Ferry
• Marlborough Wine Tour

Today will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience of whale, dolphin or albatross watching! Enjoy today’s thrill of an up-close encounter with wildlife. If you would prefer to gain an aerial experience of the wildlife, why not request a plane ride to capture the true grandeur of it all?

After this outstanding experience, we're sure you will be feeling peckish. Head to the beach to sample some iconic New Zealand food - you can't go wrong with the humble Kiwiana fish and chips. Work off the deep-fried delights by wandering through the wonderful array of local artisan stores and souvenir shops. 

In the late afternoon, your highlight day will continue as you rejoin the Coastal Pacific Train en route to Christchurch. The spectacular scenery doesn’t cease to amaze as you journey south through the rolling hills and extensive plains. Enjoy the relaxing journey with a glass of wine in hand as you indulge in a gourmet meal from the onboard scenic café.

Sit back and relax for the remainder of the evening before hitting the town the following day.

Accommodation

4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (2 Nights in Christchurch)

Meals

Breakfast and Dinner on the train

Activities 

• Choice of Whale, Dolphin, or Albatross Experience
• Coastal Pacific Train Journey

Today will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience of whale watching! Enjoy today’s thrill of an up-close encounter with the world's largest-toothed predator, the Giant Sperm Whale. If you would prefer to gain an aerial experience of the wildlife, why not request a plane or helicopter ride to capture the true grandeur of it all?

After this outstanding experience, we're sure you will be feeling peckish. Head to the beach to sample some iconic New Zealand food - you can't go wrong with the humble Kiwiana fish and chips. Work off the deep-fried delights by wandering through the wonderful array of local artisan stores and souvenir shops. 

In the late afternoon, your journey will continue, once again, on the Coastal Pacific Train en route to Christchurch, or “The Garden City”.  The spectacular scenery doesn’t cease to amaze as you journey south through the rolling hills and flat plains. Enjoy the relaxing journey with a glass of wine in hand from the scenic café.

Sit back and relax for the remainder of the evening before hitting the town the following day.

Accommodation

4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (1 night)

Meals

Breakfast

Activities 

• Coastal Pacific Scenic Train Journey
• Whale Watch Kaikōura

ney

Christchurch, the hub for South Island exploration, is also a wonderful city that blends modern architecture and technology with 19th-century Anglican 'gothic revival' architectural influence. Often remembered for its earthquake in 2011, the city is rebuilding itself into a multicultural haven.

Today you are free to explore the museums, Riverside Markets, Punting on the Avon, Gondola and botanical gardens. There is also a multitude of delicious cafés tucked into quaint side streets we're sure you will love.

This evening, you will re-join your fellow travellers for a special dinner on Christchurch’s historic dinner tram. Enjoy a wonderful circuit of the city while indulging in fantastic conversation and seasonal cuisine.  

Accommodation

4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (2 Nights in Christchurch)

Meals 

Breakfast, Dinner

Activities 

Christchurch Historic Tramway Dinner

The moment has come to experience the world-famous TranzAlpine journey through the Southern Alps, emerging in the West Coast!

On this fantastic escape, you will see epic vistas, soar on the edges of the ice fed Waimakariri River, traverse through the Great Divide, and experience ever-changing landscapes. The natural scenery isn’t the only marvel, though. The TranzAlpine passes through the Otira Tunnel, a true engineering marvel of 100 years!

Once you arrive on the West Coast, a private coach will take you even further off the beaten track to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Here you will explore curious limestone formations and blowholes before finishing your day in the ocean-front town of Hokitika.

Accommodation

4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast, Morning Tea and Lunch on train

Activities

• TranzAlpine Scenic Journey
• Punakaiki Pancake Rock Excursion

This morning, you’ll start your West Coast adventure by visiting one of the South Island’s most popular activities – the Treetop Aerial Walkway. This elevated adventure will get you acquainted with the locals – the ancient Rimu and Kamahi trees.

After your sky-high experience, continue south into Glacier Country. Franz Josef Glacier is quite special in that it survives in coastal rainforest temperatures. With a short walk to a viewpoint, you'll get a fantastic view of the vast valley, as well as a sneak peek of Franz Josef Glacier itself. If you would prefer to get up close, we recommend booking an optional helicopter flight. This will ensure you are getting the best possible view of this natural wonder.

After indulging in the local activities and retail therapy in Franz Josef’s souvenir shops, join your group for an impeccable highlight meal at Te Waonui Forest Retreat.

Accommodation

4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (1 night)

Meals

Breakfast, Dinner 

Activities 

• West Coast Treetop Aerial Walkway & Cafe
• Short nature walk to glacier viewing Point
• Four-Course Degustation Meal at Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Today you will explore the Haast Pass. With changing landscapes around every bend, this journey of about five hours to Queenstown, will be one of the most scenic drives you may ever take. While aboard an exciting river boat and private coach, marvel at the beaches, crystal blue lakes and rivers, mountain peaks, lush vineyards, charming plains and majestic glaciers as your Tour Director guides you between local hidden gems. Stop in unique locations that only locals know about.

Emerging on the other side of the pass, explore the local fruit hotspot – Mrs. Jones’ Fruit Stall before exploring the cobblestone streets of Arrowtown.

After an exciting plunge into the history of this gold rush village, you will arrive in the world-famous resort town of Queenstown!

Accommodation

4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (3 Nights in Queenstown)

Meals

Breakfast

Activities

• Scenic coach journey through Haast Pass with stops along the way
• Haast River Safari
• Mrs Jones’ Fruit Stall and Arrowtown Visit

Make sure you charge your camera before you set off on today’s adventure. Today you’re heading to Milford Sound/ Piopiotahi to be engulfed in towering peaks and waltz through plunging valleys.

After travelling through native rainforests, meadows, and past beautiful reflective pools, you will join your cruise in Milford Sound. Enjoy one of the most stunning natural features New Zealand has to offer. Aboard the cruise, you will meander down the sound to experience the rumble of Bowen and Stirling Falls as they plummet from glacial hanging valleys. Marvel at the sheer pinnacle of Mitre Peak, rising from the deep waters of the fjord.

Or, if you’d like to soar like the Piopio (ancient bird), why not elevate your day by booking a flight into the Sound by plane?

After this adventure, you will be heading back to Queenstown for a relaxing evening.

Accommodation

4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (3 Nights in Queenstown)

Meals 

Breakfast, Lunch

Activities 

Milford Sound Day Excursion

Your journey will end after enjoying a final breakfast with your fellow travellers.

Not ready to leave Queenstown? Reach out to our Travel Centre to pre-organise your extended stay. 

Meals 

Breakfast

Activities 

Transfer to airport